Brand Activation Manager

Brand Activation Manager

Location:

Chicago, IL, 60601, United States

Compensation: USD 68,640–78,000 per year.

Join the world-renowned Anheuser‑Busch family, where passion meets innovation. We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Brand Activation Manager to drive brand presence, sales, and consumer engagement for the Stella Artois brand. As a pivotal member of our team, you will lead the charge in ensuring Stella Artois remains at the forefront of the market by supporting a national sampling program.

The Brand Activation Manager will oversee the execution of weekly sampling events in key accounts. Candidates must be highly motivated and results oriented. With Advantage, you'll be a part of an established and fast‑growing company driven by groundbreaking ideas and an innovative culture.

• Develop and execute comprehensive activation strategies to achieve sales and brand objectives.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key accounts and the local wholesaler.
• Sell in brand programming to key accounts.
• Lead the planning and execution of brand activations, special events, sponsor ships, and promotions.
• Manage all aspects of Brand Ambassador team including recruitment, training, scheduling, weekly event execution, and reporting.
• Provide guidance and support to the Brand Ambassador team to ensure alignment with company objectives.
• Local asset management – ensuring Brand Ambassadors are properly equipped with merchandise and materials needed to execute sampling events.
• Responsible for activation recaps, metrics, and overall event success.
• Manage local budget & budget reporting/reconciliation.
• Perform pre‑calls and checklists in preparation for sampling events.
• Monitor event execution while ensuring all key brand KPIs are achieved.
• Submit program deliverables accurately and on time each week (expense reporting, weekly recaps, BA survey audits, time sheet approvals, etc.).
• Have knowledge of local nightlife/events and local alcohol beverage laws.
• Assist in the analysis of sales and market/territory data used to provide consultation and/or correction for under‑performing accounts.
• Responsible for managing events in person.
• Team Management – manage all aspects of Brand Ambassador team including recruitment, training, weekly event execution, and reporting; ensure BAs are properly equipped; provide performance management and career advancement planning.
• Field Operations Management – build professional relationships with key wholesaler/client field management teams; use reports and presentations to highlight success and areas for improvement; collaborate with support and agency operations in report development, event execution, financial control; conduct weekly conference calls with field team; manage budget for assigned geographic area; enforce safe work environment.
• Client Relationship – maintain consistency and highly visible presence in designated accounts within assigned territory.
• Teamwork and Dynamics – work collaboratively with support and agency operations team and communicate daily/weekly with BAs through Whats App and conference calls.
• Supervisory Responsibilities – hire, retain, train, coach, guide, develop direct and indirect reports using company‑wide processes and tools.
• Travel and Driving – essential duties; travel up to 50% of the time.

• Must be of legal drinking age (21+).
• Minimum 2 years of beverage company and/or distributor experience.
• Driving is essential; must maintain a valid/current driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Access to a computer with Microsoft Office and home internet, proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
• Personal smartphone with ability to communicate/report while in the field.
• Available to work 40+ hours per week, including nights and weekends.
• Prior experience with event production and management of Brand Ambassador teams, brand promotion, working with wholesalers and accounts, and brand sampling.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs and travel for mandatory training at program launch.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional demeanor and strong work ethic.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Organizational skills to meet weekly…